What to expect when Howell, CBA meet in boys soccer Shore Conference Tournament final

NEPTUNE -- Sometimes, the two best teams are just a cut above the rest.

The matchup of Christian Brothers Academy and Howell in the Shore Conference Tournament boys soccer final will not surprise anyone given that the teams were seeded first and second, respectively. But it will be a battle of two titans that looked unshakeable, and barely threatened, as they beat their semifinal opponents on Wednesday in Neptune.

Howell was first to secure a spot in the final, beating Toms River North 2-1, although the score was deceiving considering how the winning squad thoroughly dictated the tempo for 79 of the 80 minutes. North responded to the second goal by slipping in a quick score just 30 seconds later but Howell still cruised to the finish line.

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"Skill doesn't win a lot of games at this time," said Howell head coach Rich Yuro. "A lot of times it's the guys who are just gonna give it all."

Although CBA has a considerable amount of a skill, it was a similar story in the late game at the Memorial Athletic Complex as the Colts had to grind out a win. CBA got an early goal 12 minutes into the first half and never looked back as they topped Middletown North 1-0.

"Hopefully we can put our best foot forward on Saturday," said CBA head coach Tom Mulligan. "I think we could play a little better for 80 minutes, but I'm satisfied with the result and the effort from the boys tonight."

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What the CBA vs. Howell final might look like on Saturday

Based on the varying styles of play that the teams utilized in getting the semifinal victories, Saturday's game should be a compelling matchup as both teams attempt to leverage their strengths. Howell was mostly content to sit back and let their astute defense stifle Toms River North while generating counterattacks. The plan worked and striker Nick Turturro capitalized with a goal and an assist.

By contrast, CBA's skillful passing and ability to control possession allowed the Colts to dictate the pace against Middletown North. Although the Lions stacked the box defensively, the Colts patiently found their offensive chances without ever being caught out defensively. But that model will be tested more thoroughly against the abilities of Howell.

The conference championship game is also a rematch for the two A North rivals. CBA hosted Howell back in September and fell behind 1-0 in the first half, but the Colts responded to get the 2-1 victory. Of course, the second-seeded Rebels will have more than enough motivation as they aim to avenge that defeat.

Howell strong at both ends in win over Toms River North

Midway through the first half, a two-versus-three matchup between Howell and Toms River North had lived up to its billing as both teams showed flashes of their strengths. The Mariners had no shortage of talent, skill and creativity on offense as they often could win one-on-one battles. But Howell was disciplined defensively, a surprising display of maturity for a team that is mostly underclassmen.

Then with 17 minutes left in the half, their junior captain showed what the squad is capable of offensively.

"Schools that have scouted us know that I'm a left-footed player," said Turturro. "So I baited the left foot, went to my right and didn't pick my head up. I knew where I was on the field, and buried it."

The move, from the left of the goal, set up a sublime shot to the right side that gave Howell the 1-0 advantage. The sharp move in condensed space was a surprising contrast to what seemed to be his signature skill: speed. Turturro constantly pressured the Toms River North defense with his ability in the open field and nearly got a second goal less than five minutes after the first. Still, his efforts were enough for his team to hold the lead at the half.

The Howell defense tightened its grip even more in the second half. The players looked mature beyond their years defensively as they communicated and rotated to head off any threats by the Mariners. Their counter-attacking efforts were relentless, setting up a free kick for Turturro.

"That honestly could've been a shot or a cross," added the junior. "My coach and my dad as well were both saying curl it to the back post and again, just instinct to hit it there and trust somebody's on the end of it."

Senior Bryce Ocholla was on the end of it, giving it the last bit of push into the net to put Howell up by two goals.

Toms River North mounted a quick response to cut the deficit to 2-1, but Howell's defense swiftly regained form as they closed out the win.

"It's easy to coach when you got guys that are putting the time and effort. And then you got guys with the skill level that these guys have," said Yuro. "Both teams are gonna give and take. Just maintain your composure, and they did. They just played well."

Despite defensive effort by Lions, CBA overwhelmed in 1-0 win

There was only one lapse in Middletown North's impressive 80-minute-long defensive stand against CBA, but it was one mistake too many.

Eleven minutes into the game, a dangerous free kick by the Colts was partially cleared by the Lions' back line. But it proved to be insufficient and ultimately might've contributed to the defense being caught off guard as CBA worked the ball right back into the box and senior Christian DeOliveira neatly hit it into the left corner for a goal.

"We kept playing our style of play," he said. "That's like really the major point on why we were very successful."

CBA clearly established itself as the superior team and set the pace. Although the lone goal marred what was otherwise a remarkable defensive effort by Middletown North and goalkeeper Landon Terrell, it also felt like an inevitability given the manner in which the Colts could move the ball with ease until they found ideal openings.

"We had a couple of really good opportunities that we failed to capitalize on over the course of the game," said Mulligan. "Middletown North is a worthy adversary."

The performance was a stark contrast to the 3-0 defeat Middletown North suffered to CBA earlier in the year, but the depth and talent of the Colts was still too much to overcome. The Lions were unapologetically physical this time around as they laid it all out on the field, resulting in multiple yellow cards and fouls.

Terrell and his defenders withstood a barrage of shots from the crosstown powerhouse as they tried to keep their hopes of an upset alive, but there was simply no room to counterattack against the speed and precision of the CBA defense. The Lions only had one real chance to get the equalizer and it came less than three minutes into the second half as Josiah Stepney raced down the field. But the senior couldn't finish it off the effort as his shot drifted to the right of the post.

But CBA's dominance can't be taken for granted. The skill and athleticism exemplified why the Colts are the defending league and state champions, and equally as impressive was the intelligence with which they played.

"Our defensive shape has been pretty good," said Mulligan. "We have some guys back there that understand their roles and responsibilities back there."

And his team will be ready for Howell in the final.

"Howell's a real gutsy team," he said. "They're not afraid of CBA. We've played them competitively every time we step on the field with them."

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Girls soccer semifinals on Thursday: Howell vs. Manasquan, Central Regional vs. Middletown South

Looking ahead to the girls' side of the Shore Conference Tournament, the most compelling storyline has to be the possibility of both Howell teams competing for a league title. The girls upset Rumson-Fair Haven on Monday to make it to the Final Four.

Howell will face Manasquan, who also pulled off the road upset over Point Pleasant Borough. The two sides will square off in the early game at 4 p.m. on Thursday, once again at the Memorial Athletic Complex at Summerfield Elementary.

Then at 6:30 p.m., undefeated three-seed Central Regional will try to keep its perfect season alive against Middletown South, which pulled off a major upset in the quarterfinal by beating second-seeded Freehold Township. Central Regional prevailed over Wall to improve their record to 14-0.

The winners will play for the conference championship on Saturday night in Neptune.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Shore Conference Tournament boys soccer final: CBA vs Howell